The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has decided to postpone its ruling concerning Apple’s App Store commission policies for dating applications. This decision comes as the ACM awaits the outcome of ongoing discussions between Apple and the European Commission regarding similar issues.
Previously, the ACM imposed a €50 million fine on Apple, citing the company’s imposition of unreasonable conditions on dating app developers. These conditions included mandatory use of Apple’s in-app payment system and a 30% commission fee, while prohibiting alternative payment methods. Although Apple later agreed to relax these rules in the Netherlands, the fine remained, and Apple appealed. In June 2025, a Dutch court upheld the ACM’s decision, confirming that Apple had abused its dominant market position by imposing unfair conditions on dating app providers. ([osborneclarke.com](https://www.osborneclarke.com/node/26446?utm_source=openai))
The ACM’s recent decision to delay further action aligns with the European Commission’s ongoing evaluation of Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission is preparing to approve Apple’s updated App Store model, which reportedly includes new commission tiers and differentiated pricing for services like automatic updates or editorial promotion. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/dutch-watchdog-postpones-ruling-on-apple-fees-on-dating-apps-awaits-eu-action-4152859?utm_source=openai))
This development suggests that the ACM is either cautiously optimistic about Apple’s concessions or deferring judgment until the European Commission’s decision is finalized. The central issue remains whether Apple has abused its dominant market position by limiting payment options and enforcing steep commission fees, particularly for dating apps, which have been at the forefront of regulatory scrutiny.
The outcome of the European Commission’s DMA negotiations could now determine whether Apple’s App Store policies are deemed compliant across member states or continue to face fragmented national challenges. For now, Dutch regulators are adopting a wait-and-see approach.
